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Chapter 1

An Introduction to Psychology

Defining Psychology
Defining Psychology
Psychology is the scientific study of behavior and mental processes. Behavior includes all directly observable actions, from verbal communication to ...
Psychology as a Science
Psychology as a Science
In psychology, researchers use scientific methods to understand the mind and behavior, focusing on evidence-based research as the foundation of ...
Structuralism
Structuralism
Structuralism is the theoretical foundation for the scientific study of the mind. Structuralism breaks down mental processes into three basic elements ...
Functionalism
Functionalism
Functionalism is a school of thought introduced by William James, influenced by Darwin's theory of evolution by natural selection. Functionalists ...
Freudian Psychology
Freudian Psychology
Sigmund Freud, an Austrian neurologist, introduced the concept of the unconscious mind in psychology. The unconscious mind is a repository for feelings, ...
Gestalt Psychology
Gestalt Psychology
Gestalt psychology is a school of thought introduced by three German psychologists — Max Wertheimer, Kurt Koffka, and Wolfgang Kohler. The term ...
Behaviorism
Behaviorism
Behaviorism studies observable actions, such as a boy smiling after receiving ice cream or an audience clapping at the end of a performance. Russian ...
Humanistic Psychology
Humanistic Psychology
Humanistic psychology proposes that innate kindness and a desire for growth drive people to shape their lives and seek fulfillment. The humanistic ...
Cognitivism
Cognitivism
Cognitive psychology studies human cognition, focusing on mental processes such as thinking, understanding, decision-making, and problem-solving. The ...
Contemporary Psychology
Contemporary Psychology
Contemporary psychology refers to the modern and recent areas of psychological research and practice, such as biopsychology, evolutionary, developmental, ...
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